Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Volunteers were combing fire-prone neighborhoods in Council Bluffs Monday, checking door-to-door on how prepared residents may be for a fire. Jill Orton , with the Loess Hills chapter of the American Red Cross, said yesterday, the agency’s volunteers were canvassing several areas of town that are considered high-risk.  “We’re going to hand out fire safety information and talk to the residents about whether or not they have a working smoke detector,” Orton says. “If they need assistance with that, we’ll radio back and our partners within the fire department are going to go out and either install (a smoke detector) or give them batteries. It’s a fabulous event!”

In the past ten years, more than 230 fires occurred in the city’s high-risk neighborhoods, claiming three lives and sending 11 people to hospitals.

“Single-family fires are the number-one disaster that the Red Cross responds to on a daily basis,” Orton says. “Within our region, we respond to approximately one fire a day.” Fire is the biggest threat to families, not floods, hurricanes or tornadoes, she says, and home fires are one disaster that may be prevented when people understand how to protect their families. If residents weren’t home during Monday’s sweep, door hangers were left. The hangers, printed in both English and Spanish, provide cooking and heating tips, and highlight the importance of smoke alarms and the need to create and practice a fire escape plan.

(Radio Iowa)

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office says four people were arrested over the past few days. On Friday, 25-year old Corey Richard Mlynarik , of Council Bluffs, was arrested at around 8-p.m. on Interstate 29. He was charged with Driving While Barred. Bond was set at $2,000. Two people were arrested Saturday: 36-year old  Angela Hope Thurman, of Pacific Junction, was arrested at 195th & Eastman, for Driving while Barred and No S-R 22 insurance, and, 24-year old Laura Ann Spencer, of  Treynor, was arrested just before 1-a.m., on a charge of Public Intoxication.  Her bond was set at $300

Early Sunday morning, Mills County deputies arrested 27-year old Brett Allen Coyle, of Glenwood, on Domestic Abuse Assault and Criminal Mischief charges.  That same morning, 18-year old Dylan Lee Conn, of Malvern, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance Marijuana. Conn’s bond was set at $2,000.

The Sheriff’s office also investigated seven accidents, most of which occurred between 5-and 9-a.m. Friday, when roads were covered with frost or black ice. No injuries were reported.

The manager of the Atlantic Fareway Store was recognized this (Monday) afternoon for his efforts to support military service personnel employed at the store. Jerry Hansen, Chairman and Ombudsman for Employer Support of the Guard and Reservce (ESGR) Organization, Area 2, presented Dale Breuer with Patriot Award during a ceremony held at the store.

Fareway Manager Dale Breuer (Left) is congratulated by Jerry Hansen (right), as Christopher Kinney (Center), holds the Patriot Award presented to Breuer during a ceremony Jan. 21st, 2013. (Ric Hanson, photo)

Hansen spoke about the award’s background. He said the award was created by the ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who have answered the nation’s call to serve in the military. Hansen said supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nations National Guard and Reserve Units.

Breuer was nominated by Fareway employee Christopher Kinney, who serves with the Iowa National Guard’s 1168^th Transportation Company. Hansen read a portion of the letter Kinney submitted when he nominated Breuer for the award. It said Breuer has always kept in good spirits, works hard and continuously checks on his employees to see what their plans are for the future. He said Dale was very supportive of his decision to join the Guard, even though he knew the young man would be leaving for basic and Advanced Individual Training. Breuer held open a spot at the store for Kinney while the two separate training programs were underway.

Humble in his acceptance of the award, saying it was the company’s policy to work with their employees serving in the military. He said even if it wasn’t their policy, it’s the “right thing to do.” He said there are a lot of individuals and employers doing the right thing everyday, who don’t get recognized. Therefore, he accepted the award on their behalf, as well.